I'd like to get rid of my muffin top, what procedure(s) would you suggest? (Photo)

Hi there! Thanks for your question! Based on the photo you provided it looks like you may benefit from CoolSculpting! CoolSculpting is the #1 non-invasive, FDA cleared fat reduction treatment in the US! You can expect to see up to a 25% fat reduction in the area treated. I recommend consulting with a local CoolSculpting provider in person to determine exactly how many treatments you will need! Good luck!

I appreciate your question and photo. While it is difficult to make a full assessment from images alone, it does appear you have both stubborn fat and skin laxity around the midsection contributing to your muffin top. In this case, you might benefit from a combination of liposuction to remove the unwanted fat and a skin tightening procedure like ThermiTight to help the skin conform over the new contour. Make sure you work with a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert in these procedures to ensure an optimal outcome. 

Thank you for your question and photo. I offer two methods of fat reduction in my office - liposuction and CoolSculpting. Liposuction is a targeted treatment that uses narrow tubes called cannulas to remove unwanted fat deposits from the treatment area. It can often be performed under local anesthesia and only requires a few days of recovery time. CoolSculpting is non-surgical and does not involve any anesthesia or incisions. The device targets fat cells with controlled cooling that crystallizes the cells so they can be flushed from the body. I recommend finding a board-certified dermatologist who offers both these procedures. Through an in-person assessment and discussion of your concerns and goals, you should be able to come up with the right treatment plan for you.

To get a snatched waist you need to have aggressive fat removal of the torso/sides and have fat injections on the hips/buttock to give the illusion of an S Curve.  This cannot be done with smart lipo, and this cannot be done awake to the full extent that contouring can be performed. I suggest you see a well trained expert in body shaping.   Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for the question and photo. It is difficult to answer your question without examining you however from reviewing your photo it appears that you have both excess skin and fat. You will procedures to address both. CoolSculpting can help with fat reduction and skin tightening can be performed both non invasive modalities or a tummy tuck. It is best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

CoolSculpting is for small amounts of fat that don't respond to diet and exercise. You appear to be a better candidate for liposuction, but it is hard to tell without seeing all of your abdomen. consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn all options available to you. Good luck.

Thank you for the question and the helpful photo. There are a variety of surgical and non-invasive procedures for treating conditions just like yours. The procedures range in price, duration of effectiveness and time spent in recovery. There are radiofrequency and mirconeedling procedures that can be used in body contouring. RF energy liquifies adipose fat tissue, causing fat reduction while tightening the skin above. This is a non-invasive procedure. The results can be less dramatic than some surgical options. But the cost and recovery time are far less than surgery. A tummy tuck procedure is ideal for treating lax skin in the abdomen. In a tummy tuck, loose skin is pulled back and up. Excess is removed by way of incision. The procedure often includes diastasis recti repair. The diastasis recti muscles can separate during pregnancy or significant weight gain and may contribute to "muffin top."

Dear behrcarol, 

Thanks for sharing your photo! Any belt-like compression such as a waist band or bra support will constrict the tissues under it and bulge the tissues adjacent to it. Such is the "muffin top" over the waist or the bra. Without the compressive band, the tissues will droop creating a fold. 

In your case, removing the fat will leave you with a skin and fat fold. Your best option is to remove the fold using a tummy tuck option. This includes the panniculectomy (removal of skin excess) and if you wish, the fascial repair (corset tightening of the muscle tissues underneath).

Skin tightening procedures such as laser or Thermi-RF are at this time too limited to stimulate tightening to the level of skin reduction you would need. CoolSculpting will reduce but not remove the bulge nor tighten the skin excess.

Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a in-person examination to evaluate your desires and expectations. I hope this helped. All the best!

CoolSculpting is a great option to help reduce the fat in the abdominal area. CoolSculpting freezes fat and then your body gradually eliminates it over time. I would recommend a consultation with a provider in your area so they are able to fully feel the area and make sure that you fit into an applicator. Based off of your pictures, however, it appears you would be a candidate!

The best thing to do is schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon that also has CoolSculpting. This will give you a better idea whether you are a better candidate for CoolSculpting or surgery. You can discuss downtime, recovery and costs during your consultation.